Depressive Disorders

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. In addition to a depressed mood and a marked lack of interest the victims often suffer from other symptoms such as rapid fatigue, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal and insomnia.

Many patients also suffer from repetitive brooding thoughts. Often the victims suffer from a diminished self-esteem and reduced self-confidence. Added symptoms are a loss of appetite, physical discomfort, lethargy, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior.

In addition to major depressive disorder (MDD) there are several other manifestations of depressive disorders, such as double depression, minor depression, the recurrent brief depression and the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

There are several psychological tests for the diagnosis and assessment of depressive disorders. The most important test instruments include the CES-D-Scale (Center for Epidemologic Studies Depression Scale) by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D).

Depressive disorders often appear in recurrent episodes or in phases, with a high rate of recurrence in untreated individuals. Under adequate, multi-stage treatment can about 2/3 of all outpatients with major depression achieve long term remission.

In addition to these therapies, there are several other treatment approaches, such as the so-called brain stimulation procedures (such as the electroconvulsive therapy, the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and the vagus nerve stimulation). In addition, various complementary therapies are used, such as relaxation techniques, art therapy or regular endurance training.

National Institute for Health an Clinical Excellence - NICE (2010). Depression - The treatment and management of depression in adults. National Clinical Practice Guideline 90. London: British Psychological Society, The Royal College of Psychiatrists.Full text >>